Coach Wang hugs Hou Zhihui after she clinched the gold medal in the women's 49kg category at the Paris Olympics. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
In the early hours of Aug 8, weightlifter Hou Zhihui clinched the gold medal in the women's 49kg category at the Paris Olympics, successfully defending her title and breaking the Olympic record she had previously set.
This gold medal was hard-earned, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Hou over the years, as well as the unwavering support and encouragement of her coaching team.
Coach Wang gives a double thumbs up to Hou Zhihui after she clinched the gold medal in the women's 49kg category at the Paris Olympics. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
Of particular note is that Hou's coach, Wang Guoxin, hails from Wuxi.
Born in 1959, Wang now serves as the head coach of China's national women's weightlifting team. He boasts a remarkable coaching career, having helped lead teams to nine consecutive Olympic Games. Wang was also a decorated gold medalist during his athletic career.
During his time as an athlete, Wang demonstrated his prowess by winning championships in various competitions. He joined the national weightlifting team in 1979 and, by 1986, he had won the national championship 15 times, breaking the national record five times.
Coach Wang gives an interview to Wuxi Daily in 2023. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
Since 1988, Wang has served as the coach and deputy team leader of the Jiangsu provincial weightlifting team. In March 2023, he assumed the role of head coach of the national women's weightlifting team.
Throughout his coaching career, he has cultivated numerous outstanding weightlifters, including Olympic champions such as Tang Lingsheng, Zhan Xugang, Lu Yong, Hou Zhihui, and Wang Zhouyu.
The athletes under his guidance have achieved multiple Olympic and World Championship titles, breaking world and national records on numerous occasions.
